An odd series of events recently unfolded in New Jersey involving a drone, green dye, and a hotel pool. Sandra Woolston, who manages the Quality Inn in Galloway Township, noticed that the hotel pool’s usually clear water had turned green. At first, it was believed to be an algae infestation, with the pool being drained and scrubbed down to rid it of the green water. However, the green tint appeared again, calling for another cleaning. Despite several cleanings, the green water continued to appear. Not only had thousands of dollars been spent on disinfecting, but nobody could use it. Many guests were distraught, unable to swim.
Meanwhile, other hotels also found their pools turning green, leaving many to wonder what was causing the phenomena. Absecon Police Chief James Laughlin recalled something he had heard from the owner, claiming that a drone had flown over it and dropped something inside and that the mysterious substance had instantly turned his pool water green.
The next time the Quality Inn’s pool water turned green, the police were prepared. They managed to catch sight of the drone, leading to a consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA managed to track the drone back to where it had come from, leading them to a business called Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling. The business owner, Patrick Spina IV, was the culprit behind the mysterious green pools and was taken into police custody.
Sea dye was used to change the pool water from clear to green, a pigment often used in search and rescue teams. While sea dye can quickly disperse itself in the ocean, it’s far harder to get rid of when confined to a small area such as a pool. Furthermore, it makes cleaning the pool far more complicated than it should be.
The motivations behind Mr. Spina’s actions remain a mystery. Nobody seems to know why he decided to color so many pools green. Perhaps he was just looking for a way to kill time? As of now, Mr. Spina’s charges include several counts of “criminal mischief.” The degree to which he is being charged is unknown, though it most likely falls under a third or fourth-degree crime. The sentencing for these degrees of crime in New Jersey ranges from 18 months to 5 years, with fines ranging anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.
Following Mr. Spina’s mischievous criminal activity, the FAA has warned anyone looking to replicate Mr. Spina’s activity. Any unauthorized or unsafe drone operation within New Jersey could incur a fee of up to $30,000, as well as the possible suspension or revocation of a drone license. Additionally, they encourage the public to report strange or unauthorized drone activities to combat further tomfoolery.
Works Cited
“Business Owner Used Drone to Drop Dye into Neighborhood Pools: Police.” Www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXUNxL87j30. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
